Retractable structure for mounting a device

ABSTRACT

The invention concerns a structure for holding a device such as a basketball goal or flag which can be lowered into a well cavity in the ground. The structure includes a pipe assembly located in a casing inside the well cavity that is raised by filling the casing with fluid, such as water from a household water source. To lower the structure, the fluid is removed from the casing.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a structure for holding a device such as a basketball goal or flag that can be retracted into a well cavity in the ground when not in use.

Structures for holding devices such as basketball goals or flags are typically found in the front yards or driveways of many homes. These structures detract from the appearance of the home and are prohibited in many suburbs that have covenant restrictions.

Thus, there exists the need for a simple, neat appearing, easily operated and economical structure for holding such devices that can be retracted into a well cavity in the ground when not in use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a structure for holding a device such as a basketball goal or flag that can be retracted into a well cavity in the ground when not in use thereby not detracting from the aesthetic appearance of a home. When used with a basketball goal, the backboard and net and rim assembly can be removed from the structure or rotated on the structure after it is retracted to obscure its appearance such as behind shrubs in the yard.

To attain this, the present invention comprises a structure having a casing positioned upright in the well cavity, a pipe assembly located within the casing that is movable between a lower retracted position in the well cavity and an upright extended position above the ground, means for raising and lowering the pipe assembly between the retracted position and extended positions, and clamp means to secure the pipe assembly to the casing when the pipe assembly is in an upright extended position. When used with a basketball goal, the goal may be mounted using an arm cantilevered from the top of the pipe assembly to hold a backboard and net and rim assembly to the pipe assembly.

It is an object of the invention to provide the unique design of a structure which may be retracted into a well cavity in the ground by hydraulic means when not in use.

Another object of this invention is to provide a novel and improved structure which is simple, neat appearing, easily operated, and economical that uses fluid such as water, gas, or compressed air as a means to raise and lower the structure for use and nonuse.

With the foregoing and other objects in view, my present invention comprises certain constructions, combinations and arrangements of parts and elements as hereinafter described, defined in the appended claims and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of the retractable structure in the raised position and holding a basketball goal.

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the retractable structure in the retracted position inside the well cavity.

FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of the retractable structure in the raised position and holding a flag pole.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to the embodiments of the invention shown in FIGS. 1-3, the retractable structure when used as a basketball goal includes a backboard 9 and net and rim assembly 13 mounted to an extension arm 21. The extension arm 21 is cantilevered from the top of a pipe assembly 11. The pipe assembly 11 stands upright from a well cavity 12. The pipe assembly 11 is adapted to be retracted into the well cavity 12, as will be hereinafter described.

The pipe 23 of the pipe assembly 11 is preferably a tubular member of aluminum or the like having an inside diameter of about 3 inches. The length of this pipe is such as to permit the pipe assembly 11 to be extended to a height sufficient to hold the backboard 9 and net and rim assembly 13 at a desired elevation for playing basketball. The pipe assembly 11 is adjustable in the well cavity 12 to vary the elevation of the backboard 9 and net and rim assembly 13, for example from 6 feet to 12 feet.

The pipe assembly 11 is sealed at the bottom such as a cap 20 to prevent water from entering the pipe assembly 11. A first seal 17, such as a swab cup commonly used in the oil and gas industry, is located at the lower end of pipe assembly 11 to form a seal in the annular space between pipe assembly 11 and casing 7. A second seal 19 can be installed as shown in FIG. 1, although not required, for redundancy in the event that there is a section of the casing 7 that is damaged and will not allow one seal to hold pressure. A first extension 18 between the first seal 17 and second seal 19 of approximately one foot provides a redundancy seal in the event that there is a section of the casing 7 which is damaged and does not allow one of the seals to hold pressure.

At the upper end of the casing 7 is a clamp assembly 4 attached to the casing 7 to clamp the pipe assembly 11 at the desired height and to help prevent rotation of the pipe assembly 11. This clamp assembly 4 may include a nipple 5, such as a steel component with a blank top and pipe male thread, and female adapter 6.

A conduit 2 is connected to the lower end of the casing 7 at inlet 8. The conduit 2 has a first valve 1 to allow fluid such as water to enter the conduit 2 and a second valve 3 to allow fluid to exit conduit 2.

The casing 7 is lowered into the well cavity 12 in the ground having a depth substantially the same as the height of the casing. Typically, the well cavity depth and diameter are approximately 15 feet and 8 inches, respectively. The conduit 2 can be, although not required, strapped to the outside of the casing 7.

The pipe assembly 11 is lowered into the casing 7 located in the well cavity 12. The annulus between the well cavity 12 and casing 7 is backfilled with dirt to about 4 feet below ground level. The remaining space in the well cavity 12 is filled with cement to secure the casing 7 leaving the conduit 2 and valves 1 and 3 exposed for access.

Prior to raising the pipe assembly 11 for playing basketball, one end of the extension arm 21 is connected to the backboard 9 and the other end of the arm 21 is placed in the opening at the upper end of pipe assembly 11. The clamp 10 connected to pipe assembly 11 secures the backboard 9 and net and rim assembly 13 and reduces possible rotation. Additionally, the clamp 10 provides a stop so that the top of the pipe assembly 11 is at about ground level when fully retracted.

To raise the pipe assembly 11 for playing, a fluid source such as water from a house water source, is connected to the conduit 2. When valve 1 is open and valve 3 is closed, the water flows into the annulus between the casing 7 and pipe assembly 11 thereby raising the pipe assembly 11. Although not required, the pipe assembly 11 can be made more rigid using a coupling 14 and adapter 16 which fit closely inside the casing 7. The spacing between the coupling 14 and adapter 16, preferably about 4 feet, helps to keep the pipe assembly 11 rigid.

Raising the pipe assembly 11 will cease when the fluid flow is stopped or the coupling 14 contacts the clamp assembly 4. When the pipe assembly 11 is at the desired height, the clamp assembly 4 is tightened against the pipe assembly 11, such as using a set screw to stabilize and prevent the pipe from rotating.

The pipe assembly 11 can be lowered by loosening the clamp assembly 4, closing valve 1 and opening valve 3. The pipe assembly 11 will retract into casing 7. Lowering of the pipe assembly 11 will cease when valve 3 is closed or when the clamp 10 contacts the clamp assembly 4. If desired, the backboard 9 and net and rim assembly 13 may be removed by loosening clamp 10. 

1. In combination with a well cavity in the ground, a retractable structure comprising: a casing in said well cavity, a pipe assembly located within said casing movable between a lower retracted position in said well cavity and an extended position above said ground, and means for raising and lowering said pipe assembly between said retracted position and extended position.
 2. In the combination set forth in claim 1, wherein said means for raising and lowering said pipe assembly includes a conduit connected to the lower end of said casing for filling said conduit with fluid, a first valve to open said conduit for filling said casing, and a second valve to allow fluid to exit said casing to lower said pipe assembly.
 3. In the combination set forth in claim 2, wherein said fluid is gas.
 4. In the combination set forth in claim 2, wherein said fluid is water.
 5. In the combination set forth in claim 2, where said fluid is compressed air.
 6. In the combination set forth in claim 1, wherein said pipe assembly comprises: a pipe, a first seal located at the lower end of said pipe to form a seal between said casing and said pipe, and a third seal at the lower end of said pipe.
 7. In the combination set forth in claim 6, wherein said pipe assembly includes a second seal below said first seal.
 8. In the combination set forth in claim 6, wherein said third seal is a cap.
 9. In the combination set forth in claim 6, wherein said pipe assembly includes a coupling positioned about mid-length of said pipe to control the height of said pipe when extended.
 10. In the combination set forth in claim 6, wherein said pipe assembly includes a coupling positioned about mid-length of said pipe to control the height of said pipe when extended and an adapter located below said coupling and above said first seal.
 11. In combination with a well cavity in the ground, a retractable basketball structure comprising: a casing in said well cavity, a pipe assembly located within said casing movable between a lower retracted position in said well cavity and an extended position above said ground, means for raising and lowering said pipe assembly between said retracted position and extended positions, and an arm cantilevered from the top of said pipe assembly to hold a backboard and net and rim assembly to said pipe assembly.
 12. In the combination set forth in claim 11, wherein said pipe assembly includes a second clamp to secure said arm to said pipe assembly.
 13. In the combination set forth in claim 1, wherein said structure includes a first clamp means to secure said pipe assembly to said casing when said pipe assembly is in an extended position.
 14. In the combination set forth in claim 11, a first clamp means to secure said pipe assembly to said casing when said pipe assembly is in an extended position.
 15. In combination with a well cavity in the ground, a retractable basketball structure comprising: a casing in said well cavity, a pipe assembly located within said casing movable between a lower retracted position in said well cavity and an extended position above said ground, wherein said pipe assembly includes a pipe, a first seal located at the lower end of said pipe to form a seal between said casing and said pipe, and a third seal at the lower end of said pipe, means for raising and lowering said pipe assembly between said retracted position and extended position, wherein said means for raising and lowering said pipe assembly includes a conduit connected to the lower end of said casing for filling said conduit with fluid, a first valve to open said conduit for filling said casing, and a second valve to allow fluid to exit said casing to lower said pipe assembly, a first clamp means to secure said pipe assembly to said casing when said pipe assembly is in an extended position, and an arm cantilevered from the top of said pipe assembly to hold a backboard and net and rim assembly to said pipe assembly.
 16. In the combination set forth in claim 15, wherein said fluid is gas.
 17. In the combination set forth in claim 15, wherein said fluid is water.
 18. In the combination set forth in claim 15, wherein said pipe assembly includes a second seal below said first seal.
 19. In the combination set forth in claim 15, wherein said third seal is a cap.
 20. In the combination set forth in claim 15, wherein said pipe assembly includes a coupling positioned about mid-length of said pipe to control the height of said pipe when extended and an adapter located below said coupling and above said first seal. 